Working With Creative People

Creative people are an exceptional bunch. Many assume that being creative equals being late, irresponsible, over-sensitive, fussy, eccentric, lazy, etc. I'm sure that many are, but the reputation of a few should never be forced on the rest of us. And why is it that we as a society pay creative people so much money to do what they do? We love what they bring to our lives! But we just don't understand what makes them tick.

There is a creative sensitivity in all of us: when our ideas are shot down at work, church, in a board meeting, or within a personal relationship, for instance, it hurts as much as a producer saying to a musician in a recording session, "I don't like your guitar playing on this song!" We are all human. Being a creative person means that the product of our minds is not simply a subjective piece of information. Rather, it is an objective piece of "us" birthed from our hearts and imaginations. When a person tries to super-impose his or her heavy-handed business management style upon a band or vocal rehearsal, for instance, proper communication, or the lack of, will make or break the environment. Many a hard-core business person, or even a Marine drill instructor might want to say, "Tough it out, wuss!" The fact is, when the hammer comes down like that in a creative setting, creative people fold, and you might as well close down for the day.

When I am leading a recording session or a rehearsal, I like to create a positive environment by making the space feel light and fun. I also try to make positive personal contact with each player, singer and engineer because that helps initiate the flow of ideas. I want the artist to feel free to let go and give it all they've got. Usually, in these sessions or rehearsals, the musical arrangements are in place, but the individual investments coming from the instrumentalists and vocalists are welcomed within these parameters. Most great musicians like some kind of direction, but they also want to contribute when a good idea floats to the top.

In any event, a good leader is there to keep things flowing and on track. The way a leader runs the situation can either support a positive environment or will stifle spontaneity. Just by showing courtesy, speaking kindly, showing grace in brain-storming sessions, making compliments when appropriate, and generally being interested in the persons involved, we are creating a healthy environment for the growth of ideas.

Rick Warren said this recently to pastors of churches: "Don't expect people to be interested in your "vision" if you are not interested in their lives." I believe any effective leader, creative or otherwise, who applies these principles in their daily dealings with people will find success. As I said earlier, when we are working with creative people, their products are not just mere objects, but are extensions of their very soul.

As a leader, whether in business, in the Arts, at home, at church, or in a relationship, we can nurture positive and creative environments by allowing those around us to dream. Who knows, there might be an Einstein, a Ford, a Bill Gates, a Jimi Hendrix or another Billy Graham among us!